Finding a plus size rental wetsuit that fits is a rarity, and it’s not something you want to risk. What could be worse than landing upon a beautiful aquatic travel destination, only to be let down because you left this to chance? While finding one to buy can be a challenge in itself, it leaves you with the certainty that you will be properly and comfortably equipped for your waterborne adventure. It’s worth the effort to ensure you have a suit that fits well and keeps you warm. We’ve found 8 fantastic wetsuits for plus size ladies and reviewed them here. No matter your watersport, these come in a wide variety of sizes to suit different body types. We’ve looked at design, comfort, durability and travel friendliness as well as materials and type of zip or leash for each. The Buyer’s Guide has wetsuit tips for plus size women and information on wetsuits in general so that you can compare the best women’s plus size wetsuits. We’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions from buyers.
BEST WOMEN'S PLUS SIZE WETSUITS IN 2023
- AKONA Women’s Quantum Stretch Full Wetsuit
- HENDERSON Women’s 3mm Thermoprene Pro Front Zip Shorty Wetsuit
- CRESSI Women’s Short Front Zip Wetsuit
- O’NEILL Women’s Reactor-2 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit
- SEAVENGER Alpha 3mm Neoprene Fullsuit Wetsuit
- SYNERGY Triathlon Wetsuit 5/3mm Full Sleeve Smoothskin Neoprene
- AQUA LUNG Aquaflex 3mm Women’s Wetsuit
- SCUBAPRO Women’s Everflex Steamer 5/4mm Wetsuit
Popular Choice
Women's Short Front Zip CRESSI
★★★★★
Top PickMost Popular
Women's Quantum Stretch AKONA
★★★★★
Best Value
Thermoprene Pro Front Zip Shorty HENDERSON
★★★★★
ALL THE WOMEN'S PLUS SIZE WETSUITS THAT WE TESTED
AKONA Women's Quantum Stretch Full Wetsuit
General Impression
The Akona women’s quantum stretch full wetsuit is our top pick for the best plus size women’s wetsuit. This wetsuit has ultra-stretchy neoprene that is comfortable and easy to get into before a dive and to get out of after a dive. The reinforced knee pads and textured should help this plus size scuba wetsuit last longer, limiting wear and tear. The Akona women’s quantum stretch full wetsuit features eco-friendly materials and a marine-grade brass zipper with an extra-long leash for easy zipping. The glued and blind stitched seams keep water from getting into the wetsuit during a dive and limit fraying.
Specifications
BRAND: AKONA
THICKNESS: 3mm
MATERIALS: Earth-friendly neoprene
AVAILABLE SIZES: 5 to 16
ZIP & LEASH: Brazz back zipper with long leash
SUITABLE FOR : Scuba, snorkel, swim, surf
PROS
- Reinforced knee pads
- Glued and blind stitched seams
- Eco-friendly materials
- Marine-grade brass zipper
- Ultra-stretchy neoprene
- Textured shoulders
CONS
- Knee pads crack after extended use
- Only one color option
HENDERSON Women's 3mm Thermoprene Pro Front Zip Shorty Wetsuit
General Impression
The Henderson women’s 3mm thermoprene pro front zip shorty wetsuit is our choice for the best value in best plus size wetsuits. This plus size wet suit has 250% stretch neoprene and an interior aqua silk lining that makes it comfortable during diving, swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. The diagonal full front zip allows you to take off the wetsuit with ease after your time in the water without any assistance. The Henderson women’s 3mm thermoprene pro front zip shorty wetsuit comes in two stylish color options and also has minimized seams that keep the water out, keeping you warm during your adventures in the water.
Specifications
BRAND: HENDERSON
THICKNESS: 3mm
MATERIALS: Stretch thermoprene
AVAILABLE SIZES: 4 to 24
ZIP & LEASH: Full body front diagonal zipper
SUITABLE FOR : Scuba, snorkel, swim, surf
PROS
- Interior aqua silk lining
- 250% stretch neoprene
- Velcro-resistant outer fabric
- Diagonal front zip
- Minimized seams
- Two color options
CONS
- Zipper challenging to get started
- Shorty only
CRESSI Women's Short Front Zip Wetsuit
General Impression
The Cressi women’s short front zip wetsuit made with double-lined, highly flexible neoprene provides just the right fit. This plus size snorkel wetsuit features a front zip entry and has anatomical cuts to hug the curves of your body. The Cressi women’s short front zip wetsuit is 2mm thick, so it is the perfect women’s shorty wetsuit in plus size for snorkeling. Cressi makes some of the best women’s plus size wetsuits in Italy. The Cressi women’s short front zip wetsuit comes in three color options and designed with the plus size women in mind.
Specifications
BRAND: CRESSI
THICKNESS: 2mm
MATERIALS: Double lined neoprene
AVAILABLE SIZES: XS to XXL
ZIP & LEASH: Half body front zipper
SUITABLE FOR : Scuba, snorkel, swim, surf
PROS
- Double-lined construction
- Three color choices
- Front zip entry
- Highly flexible neoprene
- Anatomical cuts
CONS
- Runs short for taller women
- Doesn’t keep you as warm as 3mm and thicker
O'NEILL Women's Reactor-2 3/2mm Back Zip Full Wetsuit
General Impression
The O’Neill women’s reactor-2 3/2mm back-zip full wetsuit is a popular choice for the best plus size wetsuit for snorkeling, surfing, swimming, and scuba diving. The wind-resistant smoothskin insulation keeps your body warm while in the water, and the seamless paddle zones allow for a vast range of movement when you are in motion. This plus size wet suit also provides UV protection and a water-resistant closure over the zipper to help keep you dry. The super-stretch neoprene in this O’Neill women’s full wetsuit offers comfort, and the mock collar is fitted but also provides a seal to prevent water from getting into your wetsuit during your adventures.
Specifications
BRAND: O’NEILL
THICKNESS: 3/2mm
MATERIALS: Ultra stretch neoprene
AVAILABLE SIZES: 2 to 16
ZIP & LEASH: Back zipper with long leash
SUITABLE FOR : Scuba, snorkel, surf, paddle
PROS
- Water-resistant closure zip
- Wind-resistant smoothskin insulation
- Super-stretch neoprene
- Seamless paddle zones
- Mock collar
- UV protection
CONS
- Seams fray easily
- Arms and legs are long for shorter women
SEAVENGER Alpha 3mm Neoprene Fullsuit Wetsuit
General Impression
The Seavenger alpha 3mm neoprene full suit wetsuit fits like a second skin providing ultimate comfort for most water activities. The super-stretch neoprene and high flex knee and armpit panels allow an excellent range of motion while swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The Seavenger alpha 3mm neoprene full wetsuit features an extra-long zipper leash that is easy to reach if you are without a buddy, and the soft-flat lock stitching won’t irritate your skin. Seavenger plus size wetsuits come in a stylish pattern that will make you stand out in a crowd and will keep you warm in tropical waters.
Specifications
BRAND: SEAVENGER
THICKNESS: 3mm
MATERIALS: Neoprene
AVAILABLE SIZES: 3 to 15
ZIP & LEASH: Sturdy back zipper with extra long leash
SUITABLE FOR : Scuba, snorkel, swim, surf
PROS
- High flex knee and armpit panels
- Extra-long zipper leash
- Soft flat-lock stitching
- Second-skin fit
- Super-stretch neoprene
CONS
- Fits tightly on the neck
- The zipper is too short
SYNERGY Triathlon Wetsuit 5/3mm Full Sleeve Smoothskin Neoprene
General Impression
The Synergy triathlon wetsuit 5/3mm – women’s endorphin full sleeve smoothskin neoprene is Ironman and SAT approved. This is a top choice for the best plus size triathlon wetsuit due to the 680% flexibility of the hydrodynamic neoprene and integrated core buoyancy panel, that help keep you floating and moving quickly through the water during your swim. Synergy triathlon wetsuit designs are athlete endorsed and sized to fit plus-sized women comfortably. The 5/3mm thickness also helps keep you warm in the water.
Specifications
BRAND: SYNERGY
THICKNESS: 5/3mm
MATERIALS: Hydrodynamic neoprene
AVAILABLE SIZES: P1 to WX (XS to XL)
ZIP & LEASH: Internal back zipper
SUITABLE FOR : Swim, triathlon
PROS
- Ironman and SAT approved
- Hydrodynamic neoprene
- Core buoyancy panel
- Athlete endorsed design
- 680% flexibility
CONS
- Water accumulation at the stomach
- Neck fits tightly
AQUA LUNG Aquaflex 3mm Women's Wetsuit
General Impression
The Aqua Lung aquaflex 3mm women’s wetsuit features a stylish galaxy-style design that is highly appealing for women of all sizes. The ultra-soft inner material provides comfort and makes this plus size women’s wet suit a breeze to wear. The neoprene is flexible and non-petroleum based making it environmentally friendly and the materials are abrasion resistant, standing up to velcro or other potentially damaging factors. The skin-in-neck seal keeps water from leaking into the wetsuit so you stay warm while in the water. The Aqua Lung aquaflex 3mm women’s wetsuit is great for scuba diving, but also snorkeling, surfing, and swimming.
Specifications
BRAND: AQUALUNG
THICKNESS: 3mm
MATERIALS: Earth friendly neoprene
AVAILABLE SIZES: 4 to 14
ZIP & LEASH: Back zipper with long leash
SUITABLE FOR : Scuba, snorkel, swim, surf
PROS
- Ultra-soft inner material
- Non-petroleum flexible neoprene
- Skin-in-neck seal
- Abrasion-resistant materials
- Stylish galaxy design
CONS
- No arm or leg zips
- One color option
SCUBAPRO Women's Everflex Steamer 5/4mm Wetsuit
General Impression
The Scubapro women’s everflex steamer 5/4mm wetsuit is the ultimate contender in women’s plus size wetsuit reviews. The 5/4mm everflex neoprene materials keep you warm even in colder waters, and the seams are solvent-free, glued with water-base materials making this wetsuit environmentally friendly. The Scubapro women’s everflex steamer 5/4mm wetsuit features reinforced knee and shoulder pads and multi-thickness panels, making it one of the most durable women’s 3XL wetsuits. This XXXL wetsuit has lined arm, neck, and leg zips, making it easy to don and doff, while still keeping water from leaking in, providing maximum warmth during a dive. This wetsuit also has an integrated gear clip on the leg.
Specifications
BRAND: SCUBAPRO
THICKNESS: 5/4mm
MATERIALS: Everflex neoprene
AVAILABLE SIZES: XXS to XXXXL
ZIP & LEASH: Rear diagonal zipper with long leash
SUITABLE FOR : Scuba, snorkel, swim, surf
PROS
- Everflex neoprene
- Solvent-free water-based glued seams
- Multi-thickness panels
- Reinforced knee and shoulder pads
- Lined arm, neck, and leg zips
- Gear clips
CONS
- One color option
- Expensive
BEST WOMEN'S PLUS SIZE WETSUITS
Buyer's Guide
Women who love the water may not always enjoy the process of finding a wetsuit that fit their needs or their body types, especially if they are plus size women. Women come in all shapes and sizes, and so should wetsuits to help make diving, snorkeling, swimming, surfing, and other watersports more enjoyable. Women shouldn’t have to struggle while trying to get a wetsuit on or off, and staying warm in the water is hugely important. The best women’s plus size wetsuit has a few key features that make each in-water experience more comfortable and pleasurable.
To be the most comfortable in the water, things like fit, thickness, materials, and UV protection should be a consideration when purchasing a plus size wetsuit as a woman.
Benefits of a Wetsuit
Studies have shown that wearing a wetsuit has advantages, especially for women. Wetsuits protect your body from a variety of different factors, both in and out of the water and explicitly designed to protect your body from both cold or warm water for prolonged periods. Even if you are diving in warmer tropical waters, your body temperature will drop after a certain amount of time, so wearing a wetsuit will protect you from feeling cold or even extreme, hypothermia. There is nothing worse than trying to enjoy your snorkeling adventure while shivering because you are too cold.
Wetsuits also protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun that can cause your skin to burn or blister. Even if you have a sunscreen routine, your skin remains at risk for sun damage if you stay in the sun for even short periods. During a surface interval in between dives, you may want to take your wetsuit off to warm up, so remember to look for shaded areas during this time.
Although the underwater world has many beautiful creatures and sights for us to explore, there are some irritants in the water that can itch, burn, or damage your skin. Wearing a wetsuit will protect your skin from coming in contact with these harmful pests and make your experience better overall. If you are diving on a wreck or surfing over a reef, a wetsuit will also protect your skin from cuts or abrasion if currents, waves, or surge push you onto the marine or wreck environment.
Water activities can be exhausting, so having a little extra buoyancy can be beneficial. Wetsuits provide the wearer with the ability to float more efficiently, which in turn saves them energy. Keep in mind; if you are buying a thicker wetsuit, you will need more lead weight if you are scuba diving, especially in saltwater, which is denser than freshwater, making it harder to sink.
Materials & Thickness
Plus size women’s wetsuits vary in thickness and are made of different types of stretchy neoprene materials. When it comes to thickness, you want to choose a wetsuit that is thick enough for the environment you will be in for your watersports adventure.
If you plan to go scuba diving in water 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit, a 5mm, 7mm, or even a 9mm full wetsuit is appropriate. If the water temperatures are a bit warmer, a 2-5mm shorty or 2-5mm full wetsuit should keep you comfortable. You also have the choice between a “Farmer Jane” that has no sleeves and worn over a rashguard or dive skin. Farmer Jane wetsuits come in a variety of thicknesses and either a full or shorty style.
Most major watersports and diving product suppliers have started making wetsuits from more environmentally-friendly neoprene materials that are made of limestone that are much better for the earth than the oil-based predecessors. These materials are much more flexible as well and make getting in and out of a plus-size wetsuit much easier for women. The material is much more smooth, and some even have anti-velcro or anti-abrasion properties to prolong the life of your wetsuit.
The type of zipper in a wetsuit makes a great deal of difference when it comes to donning or doffing a wetsuit. Some plus size women prefer the diagonal full front zip that is featured in the Henderson Thermoprene Pro Shorty because it unzips completely, leaving out the need to do the one-legged wetsuit dance. Others prefer the extra-long leash back zip, which is a standard zipper style in many wetsuits. The long leash makes it easy to reach behind you and zip or unzip the wetsuit.
Wetsuit Tips for Plus Size Women
If you are a plus-size woman, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to wetsuits. The best practice is to bring your own. Most dive companies or surf shops will have them available to rent, but they may be old, not fit well, or only offer up to size XL. If you bring your own wetsuit, you know it will fit and be comfortable for you in the water.
Also, take your time to look for the wetsuit that fits you best for the conditions you will be using it in. Try a few different styles and thicknesses, some with front-zip, back-zip, or zips in the arms, legs, and neck. There are a lot more options than there were in the past, so compare your options.
If you are diving as a plus-size woman, you will need more weight, with or without a wetsuit. Be sure to test and calculate the amount of weight you will need for freshwater and saltwater because the amounts will be different. Also, carrying your own weight-belt or weight-integrated BCD will ensure that your weight distribution does not negatively affect your buoyancy on a dive. Remember, new wetsuits are more buoyant until broken in.
BEST WOMEN'S PLUS SIZE WETSUITS
FAQs
1. What are the benefits of swimming in a wetsuit?
Wearing a wetsuit while swimming has quite a few benefits. Wetsuits provide buoyancy; the thicker the wetsuit, the easier it is to float. For swimming, wetsuits ranging from 1mm up to 5mm are a popular choice. Wetsuits give you an extra lift, even more in saltwater than in freshwater, making it easier to float, which can help bring your heart rate down to focus on swimming. The buoyancy of a wetsuit can also help increase your swimming speed because you will be exerting less energy to remain afloat in the water. Swimming in a wetsuit can also provide warmth to the swimmer in cold water. If you are sensitive to cold in general, it is recommended to wear a wetsuit while swimming. Even if thew water is tropical and warm, it is still lower than your body temperature, 98.6 on average, so the longer you are in the water, the higher the chance of getting cold while swimming.
2. Where can I buy XXXL (3XL) wetsuits?
Looking for a plus-size wetsuit, especially in XXXL or 3XL, can be a challenge, but there are quite a few places to look where you will find the right fit for you. Amazon provides a wide variety of options for women’s plus size wetsuits. An Amazon women’s plus size wetsuit review
or plus size snorkeling wetsuit review can help you narrow down which wetsuit fits the criteria you are looking for. On Amazon, you can search and compare products made by different manufacturers that produce wetsuits in plus sizes. Some of these plus size wetsuits have different sizing charts, size 14 to 24 or size XL to XXXXL, so you will need to do a bit of research to choose the right size for your body type. Akona, Henderson, Aqua Lung, Scubapro, Seavenger, Synergy, Cressi, and O’Neill plus size wetsuits are all sold on Amazon in different thicknesses, lengths, and zip styles.
3. What are the best plus size wetsuit shorts?
The best plus size wetsuit shorts or plus size wetsuit pants should be comfortable to put on and take off, so they are constructed with stretchy material, like neoprene. GoldFin and Layatone both make trendy and highly rated plus size wetsuits shorts for women. These wetsuit shorts are sized up to 3XL and 5XL, providing stylish and comfortable options for plus size women who want an extra layer to stay warm during snorkeling, diving, surfing, or swimming sessions. The best plus size wetsuit shorts are usually between 2mm and 3mm thickness that is just the right thickness for both comfort and warmth. They feature high elasticity and adjustable elastic waistbands to get just the right fit. Some even come in colorful designs for the fashion-conscious watersports woman.
4. What is the best plus size triathlon wetsuit?
Synergy makes the best plus size triathlon wetsuit. The Synergy triathlon wetsuit 5/3mm – women’s endorphin full sleeve smoothskin neoprene is highly rated and reviewed by swimmers and triathlon athletes. This plus size triathlon wetsuit is also Ironman and SAT approved due to its construction and features that keep swimmers both buoyant and warm during their triathlon events. The Synergy triathlon wetsuit is constructed with hydrodynamic neoprene and a special core buoyancy panel that will assist with overall speed through the water. The stretchy neoprene makes this wetsuit easy to move in and to don or doff, making it a top choice for the best plus size women’s wetsuit. This wetsuit also has an internal back zipper to help keep water from leaking in, and the sizing chart is a little different than others, so you may need to do some research on your measurements before purchasing.
5. What is unique about a Truli plus size wetsuit?
Truli Wetsuits are explicitly made for women who like to be active in the water, whether it be diving, snorkeling, swimming, or surfing. Truli wetsuits offer a wide range of sizes, twenty-one to be exact, from size zero to twenty-four, which include long torso and plus sizes. Truli wetsuits were designed to suit and fit all different sizes and body types because no two women are made precisely the same. The materials are stretchy and environmentally friendly, and the names of the wetsuit sizes are even based on inspiring words that resonate with trail-blazing women. Truli wetsuits come in fun color combinations and three styles, full, shorty, and shorty “farm jane,” so you can decide which type works best for your body and the kind of water activities you will be participating in.
REACH OUT
As always, we create our content with you, fellow adventurers, in mind. So, how’d we do? Did you find this informative? Did it help you make a decision? Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you below. Thanks for reading and we hope your next adventure is a great one!